Skip to content

notifications_active Weekly Meshkat-e Noor Session: Thursdays at 20:30 at Haj Reza Mosque

languageEN
login Login
Question No. 3323 30 October 2023 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

Do Family Ties Become Irrelevant on the Day of Judgment?

Primary reference: See the answer text 36 views 23 explanatory notes and annotations
Verified answer Documented and evidence-based
Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei
Tracking code: #Q-3323

Regarding the verse:

فإذا نفخ فی الصور فلا أنساب بینهم یومئذ ولا یتساءلون.

Does the statement that there will be no family ties on the Day of Judgment mean, for example, that family members will recognize one another but feel nothing for each other?

Or does it mean that no one will be responsible for anyone else?

Or does it mean that need is specific to life in this world, and that there will be no need in the next world?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

On the Day of Judgment, family ties will count for nothing; what matters is one’s deeds. Noah’s son and Abraham’s uncle were not saved because of their actions. No family connection can shield anyone from the consequences of evil deeds, and intercession is granted only when a person has the necessary basis in their deeds and beliefs. There is no kinship between God and anyone; His friendship can be attained only through obedience.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

Yes, as you said, the hereafter is determined by deeds, not lineage. Noah’s son was not saved from drowning because of his father, and Abraham’s uncle was not granted Abraham’s intercession because of his idolatry. In the hereafter, no family connection will shield anyone from the consequences of their evil deeds. Those who receive intercession, meanwhile, have something in their deeds and beliefs that enables them to benefit from it.

With his chain of transmission from Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Thaqafi, who said: I heard al-Rida (peace be upon him) say: “Whoever loves a sinner is a sinner; whoever loves one who is obedient is obedient; whoever assists an oppressor is an oppressor; and whoever abandons an oppressor is just. There is no kinship between God and anyone, and no one attains God’s friendship except through obedience. The Messenger of God (may God bless him and his family) said to the children of ‘Abd al-Muttalib: ‘Bring me your deeds, not your social standing and lineage.’ God, the Blessed and Exalted, says: فإذا نفخ فی الصور فلا أنساب بینهم یومئذ و لا یتساءلون فمن ثقلت موازینه فأولئک هم المفلحون و من خفت موازینه فأولئک الذین خسروا أنفسهم فی جهنم خالدون”

*Tafsir Nur al-Thaqalayn*, vol. 3, p. 563

Muhammad Hamadani narrated: “I heard al-Rida (peace be upon him) say: ‘Whoever loves a sinful person is himself a sinner, and whoever loves an obedient person is obedient. Whoever assists an oppressor is himself an oppressor, and whoever fails to support a just person is himself an oppressor. Indeed, there is no kinship between God and anyone, and no one attains friendship with God except through obedience. The Messenger of God (may God bless him and his family) said to the children of ‘Abd al-Muttalib: “Come to me with your good deeds, not with your lineage.” And God, the Exalted, says:

فإذا نفخ فی الصور فلا أنساب بینهم یومئذ و لا یتساءلون* فمن ثقلت موازینه فأولئک هم المفلحون* و من خفت موازینه فأولئک الذین‏ خسروا أنفسهم فی جهنم خالدون

When the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask after one another. Those whose scales are heavy will be the ones who prosper; but those whose scales are light will have lost their own souls, abiding forever in Hell.’”

*‘Uyun Akhbar al-Rida*, trans. Ghaffari and Mostafid, vol. 2, p. 574

Al-Inshiqaq 84:7: فأما من أوتی کتابه بیمینه

Al-Inshiqaq 84:8: فسوف یحاسب حسابا یسیرا

Al-Inshiqaq 84:9: و ینقلب إلى‏ أهله مسرورا

, [07.02.23 16:49]

[In reply to تنهاترین منے یابن الحسن]

Al-Inshiqaq 84:7: فأما من أوتی کتابه بیمینه

Al-Inshiqaq 84:8: فسوف یحاسب حسابا یسیرا

Al-Inshiqaq 84:9: و ینقلب إلى‏ أهله مسرورا

, [07.02.23 20:34]

Did you find this answer illuminating? Your feedback helps us refine our responses and organize future sessions.
Audio attachment: This question currently has no audio file; the answer is provided in written form, with supporting arguments.

Related questions

Official answers
Question #3100
How can food-based sorcery or magic be nullified?
Critique of Doubts • 31 August 2022
Question #1842
An explanation of the Prophet’s hadith about Lady Fatima’s (SA) tent?
Ahl al-Bayt and Islamic History • 20 August 2022
Question #272
Why is Imam Husayn (AS) known as the son of Sidrat al-Muntaha?
Ahl al-Bayt and Islamic History • 17 July 2022
Question #334
Question #3099
How can we visit the House of God from afar?
Jurisprudence and Rulings • 31 August 2022